Manchester United have jumped ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to reports on Friday. Both Premier League clubs had been monitoring the 22-year-old, but United now appear to be leading the chase as the summer window picks up pace despite the 2026 World Cup being in full flow.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are preparing what sources describe as a huge summer transfer splurge. The club is exploring a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, who could be available for around £34.5m. The 24-year-old, whose contract runs until 2029, previously attracted interest from Crystal Palace last summer. But the Gunners may face competition as they look to bolster their attacking options.
“Manchester United leapfrog Arsenal for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes as the summer transfer window intensifies.”
Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson continues to be the subject of considerable speculation after Manchester City reportedly considered walking away from a move for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. Mirror Football also reported that Andoni Iraola has been tipped to raid his former club with a massive £160m raid, though further details remain scarce.
In other transfer news, former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is set to hold talks with MLS side Chicago Fire over a possible transfer. The Polish forward will leave Barcelona this summer upon the expiry of his contract, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Lewandowski is flying to the USA with his agent Pini Zahavi to decide his future.
Liverpool, too, are reportedly planning a major overhaul, with suggestions of a £160m spending spree. But with the World Cup dominating headlines, concrete moves may be slow until the tournament concludes.